Many years ago, negative (and sometimes cruel) methods were used in dog training. As time passed and we learned more about dog behavior, “positive reinforcement training” became popular. Positive reinforcement tries to elicit desirable behaviors and reward them under the theory that reinforced behaviors will then predominate.

Some refer to positive reinforcement-based training as “cookie training” because treats tend to be the reward of choice for most handlers and trainers. However, one can use anything the dog enjoys. Handlers in many competitive dog sports and activities that encourage speed, accuracy and intensity tend to use toy play in addition to treats for more effective reinforcement of behaviors. Even for the non-competitive dog trainer, proper toy based training tends to elicit faster, more enthusiastic responses.

However, many trainers find it difficult to incorporate toys into their training programs. Since there are fewer trainers who use toys in their training, their students also tend to stick with food as their primary reward. Training with toys can also be more physically demanding on the handler. Another challenge facing the average handler is that he or she tries to transition to toy-based rewards a little late in the training program.

We cannot overemphasize the benefits of playing with your puppies and young dogs. Some breeds seem to be born with a ball in their mouths, but those are only the obvious candidates. All healthy puppies engage in play behaviors. If a guardian takes on the role of play partner paired with obedience from a young age, then dogs tend to view obedience as part of play. Another benefit of handler/dog play is that your dog becomes “hooked” on you.

Many people focus on dog-to-dog-play as the primary outlet for their dog’s play and exercise needs, but you can sometimes do your relationship a great disservice with this approach. If other dogs are your dog’s main source of exercise, social and mental stimulation, then other dogs may become more interesting and important to it than you are. Remember, what you practice is what you get.

Those trainers who want to train up to competition level, regardless of whether they actually compete, especially want to have several types of rewards in their training tool chest. Guardians who want to walk their dogs on off-leash hiking trails also need to train to a higher level of obedience. Many trainers like to use food to teach behaviors and toy play to make them fast and enthusiastic. So where does praise fit into the picture?

Almost all guardians would like their dogs to follow house rules or perform obedience behaviors just for praise. And, ultimately, the most well-trained dogs eagerly comply with their guardian’s requests either for the love of the activity or by drawing on the good relationship they have built with their human companion. The question is, how does one really get there? The long answer is by utilizing all the different tools discussed here, probably with the advice of a dog training professional. The short answer is to take the most amazing training and communication journey with your canine best friend.

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If you’re interested in “training to the next level,” plan to attend the “Building Drive & Motivation for All Sports” and the “Problem Solving for Competitive Obedience and Rally” workshops on Feb. 16 and 17 at the Marin Humane Society. The workshops are taught by Denise Fenzi, whose positive training methods are widely recognized for producing dogs with exceptional attention, accuracy and enthusiasm.

Dawn Kovell is the director of Behavior and training at the Marin Humane Society which contributes Tails of Marin articles and welcomes animal-related questions and stories about the people and animals in our community. Go to MarinHumaneSociety.org or Twitter.com/MarinHumane.